Excavations in Abbeville, France, reveal early human presence over 500,000 years ago, with fossils and artifacts found in ancient sediments.
Early humans in France
Recent excavations in Abbeville, France, have uncovered significant archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of early humans more than half a million years ago.Location of the site
The site, located near the Carpentier quarry—a Historical Monument since 1983—allowed researchers to explore alluvial sediments of the Somme, dated to approximately 600,000 years ago.Findings at the site
Among the findings were remains of large herbivores, including the Etruscan rhinoceros and megaceros, as well as artifacts indicating human activity.Team of specialists
The excavation, covering a small surface area, was conducted by specialists including archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, ceramicists, and archaeozoologists, who provided various perspectives on the material traces of the past.Involvement of Inrap
Jean-Luc Locht of Inrap was involved in the project.